Charmstone, owned by the Campbells of Glenorchy, Argyllshire

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This crystal charmstone may date from the 7th or 8th century. It is set in a 17th century silver mount. For centuries the charmstone belonged to the Campbells of Glenorchy in Argyllshire.

One side of the crystal is damaged. The mount is decorated with four pieces of red coral alternating with four silver balls. It has a suspension loop so that it could be hung on a chain and dipped in water. The water was then used for healing purposes.

The charmstone is said to have been worn by Sir Colin Campbell when fighting the Turks in Rhodes in the 15th century.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-959-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 118
• Date: 7th or 8th century and 17th century
  
• Material: Crystal; silver; coral, red
  Charmstone
  
• Dimensions: 70 mm H x 45 mm W
  
• What: Charmstone
  
• Subject:
• Who: Campbell of Glenorchy (Owner)
  Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Laird of Glenorchy (Owner)
  
• Where: RHODES
  
• Event:
• Description: Glenorchy charmstone set in silver with pieces of coral and silver balls, said to have been worn by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Laird of Glenorchy, when fighting against the Turks in Rhodes
  
• References:
  • Innes, C. 'The Black Book of Taymouth'. 1855 pp II-III 
• Translations:
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